Jenny Lee

My mother once said to my astonished father, "You know, dear, when I am not with you I can't picture what you look like".  I knew I had the same problem - I recognized people when I had seen them regularly and had got to know them, but if I met somebody new and then saw them even a few days later I would not know who they were. They might seem a bit familiar, but it was not possible to place them. This caused a lot of embarrassment - people accused me of ignoring them in the street, and I dreaded situations where I had to introduce people as I couldn't put names to their faces. I was in Oxford Street once and met a man who instantly recognized me. His face seemed vaguely familiar but I couldn't place him despite some tactful (I hope) questioning. It gradually became obvious to him that I hadn't a clue who he was, and he looked absolutely disgusted as he said, "I am your husband's cousin and my wife and I spent a whole day in your house last month" - he walked off in a huff and never spoke to me again. I very reluctantly decided to give up my dream job as an artist's manager because in my work I needed to recognize people whom I may only have seen once or twice before, and it was just not fair to my singers if I missed a vital opportunity to home in on someone who could further their careers. I didn't tell anyone the real reason I was leaving as I was so embarrassed by what I thought was a failing on my part. I am so relieved to discover that this is a real condition and not something lacking in myself. I only wish my mother could have known as well.